Planning an outdoor wedding can be very entertaining. Unfortunately it can also be a very uncertain business. The elements can conspire to soak or bake your wedding respectively; swarms of locusts could descend upon the bridesmaids; or it could just plain be too windy.
So why bother trying to navigate these many pitfalls and hazards? Because an outdoor wedding that goes off perfectly is something that will stay in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to attend. It can be a truly beautiful occasion and one that is both fresh and fun for you and your guests.
A vital thing to remember when planning an outdoor wedding is that you must have a back up plan. This is vital in case of the weather. If it suddenly starts raining cats and dogs you want to know that you can still continue the wedding. People generally require a fair bit of motivation to get spruced up for big occasions and the odds of getting everyone back again are slim.
You should also think about the accessibility of the venue, whilst a quiet ceremony atop a mountain might seem incredibly romantic to you, your guests might not be as thrilled at the prospect of having to abseil back down. Make sure that the venue is easy to get to and everyone will have a far more enjoyable experience.
Safety is another major factor, this doesn't just refer to the risk of tidal waves in the area, but also to the safety of the parking and whether or not it is close to a major road in the event of an emergency.
Make sure that you have planned a good set up. Is there adequate room for seating? Does it have access to bathrooms? Is there any shelter? These are all questions that need to be asked.
An absolutely imperative thing to do is to make sure that your guests know that you are having an outdoor wedding. This has both practical as well as other implications. A wedding hat being whipped along by a gale force wind is both an unpleasant and potentially deadly hazard, negate the risk and tell people you're having it outdoors. It's a common courtesy and everyone will appreciate it.
Another fantastic thing about an outdoor wedding is that you can have any theme you want. Not the weeny little themes that you would have inside, but a proper theme. If you want a beach theme, have it on a beach! There are no limits to what you can do when you're outside. You can also go over the top with your decorations, as there is no limit to your space. You can incorporate natural elements from the venue such as trees, sea shells or flowers.
Outdoor weddings are strange things, on one hand, they provide the most opportunity for an unforgettably beautiful experience, on the other, the potential for disaster is unparalleled. It is important when thinking of who to invite, to think of who best suits what occasion. It’s no good inviting your octogenarian aunt Milly to a ceremony that involves leaping out of an airplane. So decide who is most compatible with your ceremony and invite them, that way everyone will have nothing but good things to say and your wedding will be a roaring success.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Price of wedding gowns
By: milps | 01-10-2008
Where can I find the price of wedding gowns?
What kind of wedding dress should i wear for my ...
By: colocowgrl33 | 30-09-2008
what kind of wedding dress should i wear for my body
Where to buy tom and linda platt dresses in NYC
By: pippen001 | 17-09-2008
where to buy tom and linda platt dresses in NYC
Wedding invitation
By: Nancy | 05-08-2008
I've just found out from a cousin 1 month after a relative's wedding that I was invited to attend, except that I never received the invitation. Only a small number of cousins were invited so not everyone knows. How do I let the invitation sender know that I didn't just ignore her invite?
Bridesmaid dresses (5) to sell 1 flower girl
By: testani | 09-07-2008
hello ladies My question is this. We have bridesmaid dresses (5) and one flower girl dress that we no longer need due to cancelation of the wedding 6 weeks before. WE are looking for a dridal store that rents dresses so see if we can sell these gowns to them since we don't need them any longer. We live in Long Island, NY and are willing to go some distance if we can unload them. If anyone knows someplace, please let me know. Thank you.
Websites for Wedding Dresses
By: Anthrogal | 05-05-2008
My sister is getting married in less than a year and has already begun looking for wedding dresses. She lives on the East Coast, so while I would love to help her with the shopping, it is just too difficult with school and lack of funds. Can anyone recommend good websites for wedding gowns so that I can be involved in the search, even if it is through the Internet?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Marriage Articles
Funny Wedding Toasts and Poems
By: Rafi Michael | 15/10/2008
Laughter will forever be the best medicine, better than any doctor prescribed pills or holistic remedy passed on by a health therapist. So it is with this thought that we at Video Babylon understands the importance of therapeutically adding the enjoyment of a Toronto wedding by providing some of the...
Relationship Rescue: Manage Your Marriage Like a Budget
By: Dana Prince | 15/10/2008
Learn how budgeting strategies can take your relationship from lukewarm to sizzling hot!
An Overview of Temporary Support
By: Dani Taylor | 15/10/2008
Sometimes in a marriage or after a divorce, it is possible to receive temporary support from your spouse. There may be an emergency which you cannot deal with unless you have help or other issues surrounding your situation. While not all people can receive temporary support from their spouses, many...
Anger Management Tips For Married Couples
By: Dani Taylor | 15/10/2008
Everyone gets angry at some time or another. The way you manage the anger you feel will make a difference in whether the situation gets resolved sooner rather than later. When you argue with your spouse, there are some compromises that must be made. It cannot just be about 'I...
Marriage Alert! Can Your Relationship Survive the Financial Crisis?
By: Richard Nicastro, Ph.D. | 14/10/2008
There is a hidden casualty of this financial mess that doesn't seem to be getting any press: Marriages and relationships are more vulnerable than every during these uncertain, stressful economic times. Learn how to protect your most valued asset: Your relationship.
Prenups 101: Seven Love Tips to Make Them Work Out
By: Dr. Diana Kirschner | 14/10/2008
1. What are the most common prenuptial situations for first-time marriages?
A: There are two types of prenuptial agreements or prenups:
One is where the groom or bride is part of a large family business like a real estate empire. Here, the prenup is intended to protect the family from inheriting a...
How to Get Off the Relationship Roller Coaster
By: David Roppo | 14/10/2008
Have you been riding the emotional roller coaster? Does your partner turn his love on and off like a light switch? Does he liberate you from a particular behavior then repeat the pattern all over again?
Why does this happen, and how can you remove yourself from the emotional ride of your life?
Five Crucial Tips for Every Healthy Marriage
By: Billy DaMore | 14/10/2008
This article presents crucial tips for both husbands and wives to enjoy a healthy and happy marriage together.
Relationships 
